Canadians need to know, that since May, over one thousand peaceful pro-democracy protestors have been arrested in Belarus. Dozens of journalists and bloggers have been detained. And just as in 2010, when Lukashenka violently lashed out at his people, so too have opposition leaders been detained and and barred from participating in this election.
While the outcome of the August 9th election is pre-determined, like those in Russia and other totalitarian nations, the people of Belarus have spoken very clearly over the past two months. They seek the freedom to speak their minds, to choose their leaders without fear, and achieve their true democratic and economic potential as individuals and as a nation.
Alexander Lukashenka is determined, to make sure this does not happen, as is his friend Vladimir Putin.
While the presence of Russian Wagner mercenaries in Minsk last week, may not have been directly connected to tomorrow’s elections, we must not forget the lessons of Crimea, Donbas and Maidan.
The Canadian government and our allies must be alert and prepared to respond to any attempt to destabilize Belarus after the election election.
Furthermore, we call on the Canadian government to hold the Lukashenka government to account for its mass repression of protestors, opposition leaders and media. Canada must work with its allies to apply coordinated Magnitsky sanctions against corrupt Belarusian officials who have abused the rights of their people. And most importantly, we must work with our allies to support Belarusians who seek change, freedom and democracy for their people.
Belarusians deserve the same opportunities and freedom as their western neighbours.
The European states formerly occupied by the Soviet Union have had nearly 30 years to develop and grow, while Belarus has remained handcuffed to Lukashenka’s own neo-Soviet self interests.
It’s time for Belarus to join the free and democratic Western world, and Canada must now speak with determination and join all Belarusians, who say “Lukashenka must go.” Freedom for Belarus!
